We are at war

by Mark Broady on Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Episode 13 - We Are At War

Whether we wish to admit it or not... we are now at war. But this time the war is not against drugs, or terror, or a foreign invader.

It's against an invisible enemy. An enemy we can't hear, we can't touch, and we can't see. 

We're at war with a microscopic virus that has, so far, threatened our very way of life as we know it. And we're doing our damnedest to fight this enemy the best way we know how - even if it's at the expense of our economy, our jobs, our freedoms, and our peace of mind. This is the nature of war. This is the sacrifice it demands from us... and we must be prepared to make it.

One of my favourite historical figures is Winston Churchill - who was instrumental in keeping morale high during the most frightening times of the Second World War. I felt like this week's Log could benefit from a quote from one of Churchill's most famous speeches. I think we can all benefit from it right now.

"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I can say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. This is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be, for without victory, there is no survival.”

Although we're fighting a very different kind of war at the moment, there is much wisdom to be gained from that quote. When I read it, I am filled with a sense of courage, purpose, and most importantly... HOPE.

There has been a recent movement that has started catching on where families are encouraged to paint a rainbow on a window at home with the caption "WE WILL BE OKAY" (Ça Va Bien Aller). My wife and kids painted one at our house in my son's bedroom, and during my evening jog last night I saw dozens of other houses with rainbows on their windows as well. 

This may not seem like a big deal... but this is one of the small ways we can fight back. It's a way to fight back against the doubt, the panic, and the fear.

*****

We'd also like to address some of the latest facts and updates relevant to our business. We are receiving daily communiqués from Dominic St-Pierre, the VP at Royal LePage QC headquarters - which only goes to show what an incredible organization we work for. 

Here are some of those important details:

*After initially being excluded from the list of essential services, NOTARIES have been added back to the list after protests from the Chambre des Notaries du Quebec. Notaries will therefore be able to realize deeds of sale and other notarial acts. 

*In addition, the Chambre des Notaires is working on the adoption of electronic signatures and we have indications that this could become available within the next few days among participating notaries.

*Although Real Estate Brokerage was not included on the list of essential services in Quebec, thereby halting almost all of our professional activities, joint representations are being made with the QPAREB and the largest real estate brands in Quebec(including Royal LePage) towards the government to add real estate brokers to the list of essential services.

*As it stands, from now until at least April 13th, we are not able to perform any activities that involve contact with other people. This includes traditional property visits, interior photography, and building inspections, among other things.

So what CAN we do?

Team Broady has remained ahead of the curve as much as possible in order to maintain the highest levels of service to our clients.

We are making use of technology wherever possible. We are providing 3D-Virtual tours on our listings, we are conducting online video conference meetings, and we are using electronic signatures to complete all contracts. 

Most importantly, our biggest focus is, and always has been our community.

Our business is built on those core values of helping out and giving back.

Therefore, if you, or anyone you know, requires assistance during these difficult times - please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Do you need help getting groceries? Call us. 

Do you need a prescription picked up at the drugstore? Call us. 

My personal cell phone # will be at the bottom. 

We believe in the power of community, and to go back to what Churchill said... "It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be, for without victory, there is no survival.

Signing Off...  

Capt'n Mark
514-991-3937